1408 (2007)

1408 Synopsis

Based on the short Stephen King horror story of the same name, 1408 surrounds supernatural writer Mike Enslin, an author of two hit books focusing on supernatural phenomena. As research for his latest book, Enslin is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying as a guest in the fabled room. With the intention that 1408 is just a myth perpetuated by stories and rumor that Enslin has collected for his past works. However, hotel manager Mr. Olin has strong objections to Enslin's stay and only warns him of possible danger to come. But Enslin is determined to go through and convinced that the horrific past of 1408 is just mere coincidence and a myth. But what Mike Enslin is about to experience is no myth, as 1408 truly is a room where the guests don't check out by noon.

1408 is an adaptation of a Stephen King short story, which ought to explain why the trailers have such an easy time of making the whole thing seem damned creepy. Mikael HŚfstrŲmís film looks slick and well crafted, and itís the first horror movie trailer Iíve seen in awhile that didnít give me a case of the clichť shivers.

For Sam Jackson, this is a chance to get back to being in movies people actually show up to see. Black Snake Moan was critically acclaimed, but audiences, inexplicably, werenít interested in paying high ticket prices to see Christina Ricci chained to a radiator. What is this country coming too? Snakes on a Plane was a lot of fun, but again, if it doesnít somehow connect to ĎAmerican Idolí the rank and file moviegoer just isnít interested. Maybe they should have cast Simon as a cobra. Before that it was Freedomland, which got exactly the kind of box office failure it deserved. In 2005 Sam was in the last Star Wars, but come on that doesnít really count does it? Revenge of the Sithís success has nothing to do with him. He may not be the lead in 1408, but it sure would be nice for Jackson if he was in something that someone has seen.

For John Cusack, this is a chance toÖ um play John Cusack again. Itís what he does. Heís very good at it. In fact he does it better than just about anyone else. Itís a ghost movie, nobody is looking for some kind of nuanced performance. Youíve just got to look scared John. Go to it.